Honda Fit,the new kid on the block

By Karuga wa Njuguna

Used Honda Fit, first and second generation has become so popular on our Kenyan roads. Those who are used to other small cars the same category as the Fit fear to test the waters but little do they know how efficient this little car is.The Honda Fit was introduced in June 2001 in Japan and immediately became a big hit. At its introduction in 2001, it won the Car of the Year Japan Award. By December 2001, it had outsold the Toyota Corolla, and ranked first in sales for nine out of twelve months in 2002.Depending on the region, The Fit is sold in 6 variations whilst its City/Fit Aria sedan sibling is sold in 4 variations. All Fit/Jazz models throughout the world utilize these distinct codes. The engine size however start from 1200cc to 1500cc. Built on its space-efficient global small platform.The shortened front end and more compact suspension system allows the floor to be lowered, creating an unprecedented amount of cabin space for such a small vehicle.The gas tank located centrally on the platform a unique layout which, coupled with G-control technology, achieves a greater level of crashworthiness and variable seating arrangements, Ultra Seat.Fit 1st generation (GD1-GD5)2001-2008 is a 5 door hatchback body type,FWD (front-wheel drive), continuously variable variable speed gearbox (CVT),petrol (gasoline) engine with displacement, power 63 kW and produces 84 bhp ,top speed: 160 km/h,Due to it's small engine, accelerations from 0- 60 mph 12.8.Fuel consumption is good at an average of 13km/1ltr on city roads and over 23km/ltr on highways. It should be noted that in Kenya there is this first generation that has eight valve i-DSI (intelligent dual and sequential) engines use two spark plugs per cylinder, allowing gasoline to burn more completely therefore, fuel consumption while the Fit's exhaust system greatly reduces harmful HC and NOx emissions. This clean-running vehicle surpasses domestic emission control regulations for the year 2000 by as much as 50%. All models have been approved by Japan's Ministry of Transport as "Low Emissions Excellence" vehicles.

The second generation Fit was launched in 2007 in Japan. At its introduction in 2007, it won the Car of the Year Japan Award for the second time. The vehicle offers a longer wheelbase than its predecessor (First photo on the blog) and is wider and longer overall. Overall height is unchanged, while interior height increased by .3 in. Multi-mode seating and cargo configurations are retained, with redesigned headrests enabling more convenient folding of the rear seats. The cabin features greater interior volume, and boot capacity decreased.Two engines are offered in the Fit. A 1300 cc i-VTEC that produces 98 hp .This engine is offered in both European and Asian markets. A 1500cc i-VTEC engine is also offered and produces a maximum output of 117 hp .The chassis was re-engineered, with structural rigidity increased by 164 percent over the first generation Fit.

The third generation came to be in 2013.The car once again sets the global compact automobile benchmark. While retaining the design concept of the original model, the third generation Fit features a completely redesigned powertrain and body, and offers a whole new level of interior comfort, fuel economy, styling and driving performance. First implementation of Honda's new design concept: "EXCITING H DESIGN!!!".Honda's original center tank layout enables more freedom and flexibility in interior space and overall packaging design than ever before. Earth Dreams Technology powertrains comes with 1300 cc Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC engine and the newly designed lightweight, compact, wide-range CVT and also 1500cc direct injection DOHC i-VTEC engine .The third generation Fit uses an all-new platform, 27% of its body is made from ultra-high strength. To save weight and maximize rigidity the body panels are both welded and bolted to the frame in a hybrid monocoque and spaceframe fusion. The rear torsion beam suspension is more compact no longer using an anti-sway bar to maximize interior and cargo space.The HR-V shares its platform with the Fit. Used Honda fir retail between four hundred thousand shillings and eight hundred thousand shillings depending on the year of Manufacture and it's generation. The spare parts are also available in Kenya.